Technical Program Manager

About the role

Quartermaster is seeking a dedicated and experienced Technical Program Manager to oversee the execution of our complex hardware program. This role involves managing a ruggedized marine power, compute, and sensing system from the initial design phase through to global deployment of hundreds of units. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that the hardware program progresses smoothly, on schedule, and within budget, enabling the design and engineering teams to focus on innovation and technical excellence. You will coordinate across multiple teams, manage external manufacturing partners, and ensure compliance with relevant standards and certifications. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge maritime hardware solutions in a dynamic startup environment, contributing to the development of reliable, field-deployable systems.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Manage the entire hardware program lifecycle, from initial architecture development and component selection through to manufacturing, testing, and global deployment.
• Develop, maintain, and update the integrated master schedule, mapping dependencies, critical paths, and milestones across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams.
• Drive resolution of open design issues, including component choices, requirement gaps, and design review actions, ensuring timely closure.
• Oversee engagement with contract manufacturers for build, inspection, and testing activities, including managing relationships and expectations.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to long-lead components, single-source suppliers, and supply chain disruptions.
• Coordinate with testing labs and engineering teams to ensure compliance with relevant standards and certifications, such as EMC, environmental ratings, and regional market access requirements.
• Lead the engineering change process, documenting scope or requirement shifts, communicating updates across teams, and managing change impact.
• Plan and execute new product introductions, including spares, service procedures, quality assurance, and logistics planning.
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings, serve as the main point of contact for program status updates, and ensure timely decision-making.
• Maintain comprehensive program documentation, including schedules, risk registers, dashboards, and lessons learned.
• Incorporate feedback and lessons learned from deployed units back into the design and manufacturing processes to improve future iterations.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure alignment with program goals.
• Monitor program KPIs and metrics, adjusting plans as necessary to meet deadlines and quality standards.
• Support the development of technical documentation, reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist in managing budget and resource allocation to ensure project milestones are achieved within scope.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and standards, including government sourcing constraints like TAA.
• Work with the team to identify opportunities for process improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of program management practices within the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• At least 5 years of experience managing technical programs or projects in hardware, robotics, or embedded systems.
• Proven experience guiding a product through at least one full EVT (Engineering Verification Testing), DVT (Design Verification Testing), or PVT (Production Verification Testing) cycle into volume production.
• Demonstrated success managing programs with contract manufacturers, including overseeing builds, inspections, and acceptance testing.
• Strong understanding of hardware compliance and certification processes such as EMC, environmental ratings, and regional market access standards.
• Familiarity with government sourcing constraints, including TAA (Trade Agreements Act) compliance.
• Experience managing Bills of Materials (BOM), long-lead procurement, and risks associated with single-source supply chains.
• Knowledge of milestone-driven and hybrid development methodologies, with the ability to adapt processes for a startup environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to coordinate multiple teams and stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, capable of bridging technical details with executive-level reporting.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with changing priorities.
• Experience with risk management and mitigation strategies in hardware development projects.
• Familiarity with project management tools and software for scheduling and documentation.

Nice to have

• Background in maritime, aerospace, defense, or field-deployed sensing systems.
• Familiarity with marine environmental standards such as IEC 60945, IACS UR E10, and IP66/67.
• Experience working with international standards and certifications relevant to maritime or defense hardware.
• Knowledge of ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance and export controls.
• Experience working in a startup or fast-growth environment, with ability to adapt processes accordingly.
• Prior experience managing hardware programs involving complex supply chains and certification processes.

Skills & tools

• Linear
• Notion
• Gantt/schedule tooling

Practical notes

• This position is based in Arlington, VA, and involves on-site work.
• It is a hybrid role with flexible working hours to accommodate project needs.
• The role offers competitive compensation within the specified range, along with equity options.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth are available within the organization.
• The position requires close collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain teams.
• Candidates should be prepared to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• The company values proactive communication, problem-solving skills, and a strong technical background.
• The role may involve occasional travel for supplier visits, certification inspections, or customer engagements.
• Candidates must be able to work within government compliance constraints, including TAA requirements and ITAR regulations.
• The organization encourages continuous improvement and innovation in program management practices.